THE SPARKLE IN MAKE-UP ADDS DAZZLE TO THE IMAGE YOU PRESENT.
But it may come at a great price.
Lumiere Charity has received report that Child Labourers mine mica in Jharkand India.
Mica is the mineral that gives lustre to make-up products such as eyeshadow, nail polish, lipstick and concealer.
Mica is reportedly used in many cosmetic brands
Mica gives automotive paints their shine, is used in building materials, and as an insulator in electronic chips.
It is found in lasers and radar.
Jharkand in India
The impoverished district of Jharkand in India has reportedly the largest known mica deposits in the world.
Many children assist in the mining of the mineral.
The children - some as young as five years old - risk snake and scorpion bites, or burial in collapsed caves in which they mine.
My Dad worked in gold mines for many years, and suffered dreadfully from pain in his back.
All he would tell me is that he was lucky he escaped with his life. It is a dangerous profession.
The Alternative
The alternative for the children is worse.
Without the approximately 50 rupees a child can earn a day - and remembering that eighty rupees equals approximately one euro and 64 rupees equals approximately one dollar (depending on the daily exchange rate) - both the child and the family could starve. Literally.
Child Labour and Trafficking
Commissioner Yogesh Dube who visited Jharkand is reported to have said that Child Labour and Trafficking are major issues in Jharkand. [1]
Make-up is such a joyful item to use to brighten and professionalise one's image, and lift the spirits.
Of all the men and women I know who routinely use make-up, there is not one who would consider using a product which would cause suffering or undue labour of a little child.
One child - hauntingly - apprised as she gathered the shiny mica flakes that she knows about make-up, and that the mica she mines each day ends up as decoration on the faces of ladies overseas.
What can be done?
Praiseworthy efforts to regulate the mica industry have been carried out.
The Child Rights Organisation Bachpan Bachao Andolan has helped create 'child friendly' villages across Jharkand where children do not work.
Schools and bicycles for the children have been provided.
However there are still many children in need.
Break the Cycle of Misery
From years of experience, possibly the best way to break the cycle of misery is to Sponsor a Child in need.
Why not consider sponsoring a child - or a family - or a school - in Jharkand?
Sponsor the child through education, and a post-graduate training.
This will enable the girl-child to earn a good living, and/or make a good marriage if so wished.
This will enable the boy-child to break from the trap of poverty and ensure a better future.
This will also rescue innocents from putting their lives at risk to put the shine in our make-up.
PERHAPS DIVINE PROVIDENCE
LED YOU TO READ THESE WORDS.
IN THE SPIRIT OF LUMIERE,
IS THERE ANYTHING
YOU CAN DO?
[1] India's Mica Mines, Alleged News
http://www.smh.com.au/national/indias-mica-mines-the-shameful-truth-behind-mineral-makeups-shimmer-20140118-311wk.html
Bachpan Bachao Andolan
http://www.bba.org.in/?q=content/about-us
Child-Labourers Work 12 hour Days; Alleged News
With Video
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/04/28/truth-behind-makeup-production-mica_n_5227423.html
Tribal Kids in Mica Snare
http://www.telegraphindia.com/1050601/asp/jharkhand/story_4770495.asp
Ugly Truth behind Global Beauty Industry
http://www.aljazeera.com/indepth/features/2014/09/ugly-truth-india-global-beauty-industry-cosmetics-mica-201499101422805960.html
With thanks to smh.com/ bba.org/ huffingtonpost.com
Image by Catherine Nicolette
